The death of a 21-year-old Aboriginal woman in custody has triggered tributes from friends alongside urgent calls for reform of Tasmania’s prison system.
Chelsea Bracken died at the Royal Hobart Hospital on Monday following a medical emergency while remanded at the Mary Hutchinson Women’s Prison at Risdon Vale.
Director of Prisons Narelle Pamplin confirmed the death, which will be referred to the coroner.
The exact circumstances remain unclear.
Bracken had been listed in the Launceston Magistrates Court over several minor crimes including stealing, disorderly conduct and trespass.
Friends described Bracken as someone who had positively impacted their lives, with one writing online that she had helped her “change my life around from how bad it was going”.
Another friend wrote “I still can’t believe you’re gone,” while a third said Bracken “deserved so much better than the cards you were dealt with”.
Engender Equality CEO Alina Thomas has called for significant reforms following the incident.
“While the circumstances of Chelsea’s incarceration and death are unclear, the factors leading to women entering and returning to prison are deeply complex and often rooted in repeated and intergenerational experiences,” she said.
The organisation highlighted alarming statistics showing 98% of female prisoners have experienced physical abuse and 90% have experienced sexual violence.
Tasmania has recorded the highest increase in adult prison population, First Nations prisoners and women prisoners of any state or territory over the past decade, according to Engender Equality.
Thomas called for a shift away from punishment toward support and rehabilitation.
“Our justice system must do better at supporting victim-survivors in prison.”
